Special note: This
program is funded by the National Science Foundation, a federal agency.
Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply and to
participate.

Program
Introduction
The Maryland Robotics Center, with support from the National Science
Foundation, is offering exciting research opportunities for
undergraduate students in the area of miniature robotics. Miniature
robots, defined as small robots with overall sizes between 1 mm and 100
mm have the potential to significantly enable or enhance capabilities
in manufacturing, medicine, reconnaissance, exploration, food safety,
and search and rescue. Because of their size, miniature robotics offer
a truly interdisciplinary systems research challenge that encompasses
mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, and
computer science among other topics.

Teach students about miniature robotics and the
applicable technologies and applications

Engage talented and diverse students in
interdisciplinary research programs

Prepare students for graduate school or research jobs
in industry and labs

Introduce undergraduates to team-based
interdisciplinary research

Build a strong community between undergraduates,
graduate student mentors, and faculty

During the 10-week summer program, students will develop
their research projects, attend technical tutorial seminars, visit
local government labs involved in miniature robotics research, attend
professional and academic development seminars, and tour Maryland’s
top-notch facilities supporting robotics research including the UMd
FabLab and Neutral Bouyancy Research Facility. Coffee talk discussions
will provide an informal setting for students and mentors to discuss
technical and non-technical topics. The program culminates in student
presentations on their summer research.

All participants receive a $5,000 stipend for their
summer work and funding is available for on-campus housing and travel
support. Local students (within commuting distance of the University of
Maryland) are generally not eligible for on-campus housing.

Who should apply
REU awards are made on the basis of students’ strong potential and
motivation to perform miniature robotics research, academic preparation
in their area of interest, letters of reference, and interest in
interacting with diverse mentors and peers in interdisciplinary
research. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to
participate.

Students from all institutions, including the
University of Maryland, are welcome to apply. Students from colleges
and universities having limited research facilities, including tribal
colleges and universities and community colleges, are strongly
encouraged to apply.

Special note: This
program is funded by the National Science Foundation, a federal agency.
Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply and to
participate.

Schedule, stipend, room and board
Program dates are June 3 through Aug. 9, 2013. We have made
arrangements in the past for students whose schools are on a quarter
system or release later to join the session a few days later, but
arrangements must be worked out with the REU director and your program
mentor.

All participants receive a $5,000 stipend for their
summer work and funding is available for on-campus housing and travel
support. Local students (within commuting distance of the University of
Maryland) are generally not eligible for on-campus housing. Check the LOGISTICS page for more
detailed information as it becomes available.